Placement Overview

This VIP is DJ Anne Savage who is known all over the world for playing techno, hard house and hard trance on the decks in clubs all over the world. Anne has many talents that include DJ-ing, Producing and Presenting. Anne is one of the most respected female DJ’s in Britain. Anne’s time is in high demand and travels all over the world providing music for events.

Generic Job Description for a Disc Jockey

Disc Jockeys, also known as DJ’s, entertain live audiences by presenting, linking and playing records. DJ’s work on radio stations, in pubs and clubs, and as mobile discos.

DJ’s use vinyl records, compact discs and computerised music files, often making original mixes of two or more tracks of music.

Most DJ’s work on a self employed basis and have daytime employment to supplement their income. The lucky few are able to DJ as their main employment, some even travel around the world DJ-ing at pubs and clubs.

Skills:

• Rhythm
• Good knowledge of music
• Creativity
• Technical ability
• Lively and outgoing personality
• Determination 

Pay:

• When starting out DJ’s often have to work for no pay to gain experience
• With some experience DJ’s can earn between £50 and £1,000 a session
• A few top DJ’s earn £100,000 or more 

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Most DJ work involves working unsocial hours
• Sometimes session last until the early hours of the morning

Environment:

• Most work is in pubs and clubs, which can be noisy, hot and smoky
• Radio stations can be cramped

Qualifications:

• No set entry requirements
• Short courses available in media production
• A demo CD is essential for finding work

Training:

• Training is on-the-job
• DJ’s tend to learn from more experienced DJ’s

Opportunities:

• Most opportunities are available in large towns and cities throughout the UK
• It is a highly competitive career

Links:

www.bectu.org.uk  - Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)

www.radioacademy.org - The Radio Academy

www.skillset.org - Skillset (Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries)